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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


CAELICA: 81 by FULKE GREVILLE

Poet Analysis

First Line: UNDER A THRONE I SAW A VIRGIN SIT
Last Line: BUT THAT THIS PRINCELY CREATURE IS HER SEAT.
Subject(s): ELIZABETH I, QUEEN OF ENGLAND (1533-1603;

Under a throne I saw a virgin sit,
The red and white rose quartered in her face;
Star of the north, and for true guards to it,
Princes, church, states, all pointing out her grace.
The homage done her was not born of wit;
Wisdom admired, zeal took ambition's place,
State in her eyes taught order how to fit
And fix confusion's unobserving race.
Fortune can here claim nothing truly great,
But that this princely creature is her seat.



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